BOTCHED ‘DOPE TRAP’ ROBBERY TURNS DEADLY

Jurors Convict, Defendant Sentenced to Life

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces the conviction by jury trial in the murder case against Rodqucas Bowen. Bowen was found guilty this afternoon of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and weapons charges for the 2009 shooting death of 33-year-old Henry Wright, Jr.

Wright was gunned down on April 9, 2009 inside an Old Hapeville Road apartment during an armed robbery. According to witnesses, Defendant Bowen entered the apartment, a known spot for drug sales, and was later joined by another man who has been named as a second co-defendant. The two had conspired with a third man, the apparent getaway driver, to rob the residents. During the attempted robbery, a struggle ensued and Wright was shot in the chest. Bowen fled the scene on foot and carjacked a pregnant woman for her vehicle in an attempt to escape the area. The suspects were arrested following an intense investigation which included witness accounts of the crime and positive photo line-ups.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Alford Dempsey, who presided over the case, sentenced Bowen to life plus thirty years in prison. Bowen’s co-defendants will be tried at a later date.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Lawanda Hodges of the Major Case Division led the prosecution with assistance from Charissa Henrich and DA Investigator David White. Detective K. Otts of the Atlanta Police Department led the preliminary investigation.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov